The Dirt on Conservation Results

A quote from Benjamin Franklin states: “Tell me, and I forget. Teach me, and I remember. Involve me, and I learn.” To explain, 15 years ago I arrived into “grandparenthood” for the first time and one of my greatest pleasures has been to share my appreciation of natural resources with now four young people who […]

With the improved weather, my thoughts have turned to gardening. My family plants a large garden every year. But not everyone has the space, the tools or the physical ability to plant a quarter of an acre of vegetables. People are becoming more and more creative with ways to grow a few tomato plants or […]

By DAN KRAMER Has the world really gotten smaller? Well, no, but the word ”global” is often used these days to describe how our vast planet has seemingly shrunk. It’s a global economy, a global society, a global marketplace. Is it also becoming a global ecosystem? The local prevalence of non-native invasive species of plants […]

Under the shelter of my porch, I watched as a gray squirrel corralled her three babies up a maple tree. The expression “like herding cats” came to mind, and I smiled at mama’s dedication and instinctual commitment to protect her young. Within minutes, they scrambled up high into the maple’s branches and the family disappeared […]

I grew up in a recycling house and didn’t even realize it. My parents both grew up during the Depression and they would never throw anything out unless there was absolutely no other use for it or until it was beyond repair. My mother would wash out cans and jars to use for storage containers […]

The bobcat (Lynx rufus) is native to Ohio but was once extirpated from the state in 1850 due to the early settlement. In 1997, Division of Wildlife initiated a project to systematically monitor the status on bobcats in the state. In 2011, there was confirmation of 136 sightings, which is an increase since 2010 of […]

The buzz is on its way for the East Coast this summer. Several states up and down the East Coast are expected to be inundated with Magicicadas, but Ohio has to wait for this extraordinary natural event. Magicicadas, or periodical cicadas, usually appear between May and July. Periodical cicadas are a 1 to 1.5 inch […]

By JOHN NEIDER In today’s world, it is often difficult to get people excited about natural resources conservation. There are a thousand distractions around us every day, and little thought is given to the natural world. With technology advancing at an unprecedented rate, and with a growing disconnect between children and nature, we are presented […]

Cost-effective Conservation! Simple Practices that Make a Big Difference! Improve Your Farm in 5 Easy Steps! Did I grab your attention like those magazines in the check-out aisle? I usually read those eye-catching articles and realize I already knew most of the information, but need to put knowledge into action to see improvements. A lot […]

I have improved tile drainage around my property and have clear open outlets to the road ditch. In low flows everything is fine, but then during high flow events, the water can’t get away because my neighbor’s driveway culvert is half plugged and in complete disarray and they do not seem interested in doing anything […]